EXCLUSIVE: Kerri-Anne Kennerley wants ‘to see just as many men as women’ at marches following sexual misconduct scandals in Canberra
Kerri-Anne Kennerley wants to see ‘just as many men marching side by side’ with women at justice rallies, saying sexual harassment is a ‘social issue’ that impacts everyone.
Speaking at the Sydney premiere of Hamilton on Saturday, the television veteran said Australia was going through a ‘very important’ moment as sexual misconduct scandals rock Canberra.
The 67-year-old told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We’ve had a lot of focus and we’ve had a lot of answers and I think it’s exceptional, very important timing and I’m glad it is happening.’
EXCLUSIVE: Kerri-Anne Kennerley wants to see ‘just as many men marching side by side’ with women at justice rallies, saying sexual harassment is a ‘social issue’ that impacts everyone. Pictured at the Australian premiere of Hamilton at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday
She also spoke about the women’s marches that took place earlier this month and said she hopes more people come together to combat harassment.
‘I think the next march, I want to see just as many men marching side by side with women, because it is not a female sexual harassment issue,’ she stated.
‘It’s a bullying issue, it’s a social issue.’
Reckoning: The 67-year-old told Daily Mail Australia, ‘We’ve had a lot of focus and we’ve had a lot of answers and I think it’s exceptional, very important timing and I’m glad it is happening’
‘I think it’s important to have people standing side by side to say this behaviour – whoever it’s happening to – is not good enough,’ the media doyenne added.
‘Everybody has to get involved.’
Earlier this month, tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to protest against sexual violence against women in the wake of rape allegations that have rocked the government.
Protests: Earlier this month, tens of thousands of people across the country took part in the #March4Justice to protest against sexual violence against women in the wake of rape allegations that have rocked the government, with a major demonstration in Canberra
The #March4Justice rallies were held in more than 40 Australian cities and towns, with a major demonstration taking place in Canberra where the nation’s parliament is located.
The crowd gathered outside Parliament House holding aloft placards with slogans including ‘You’re Not Listening’, ‘How Many Victims Do You Know?’ and ‘I Believe Her’.
It comes after Brittany Higgins, a political adviser to the Liberal Party, came forward with allegations that she had been raped inside the parliament building in 2019 – saying she had been ‘silenced’ by party officials.
Speaking out: It comes after Brittany Higgins (pictured in white), a political adviser to the Liberal Party, came forward with allegations that she had been raped inside the parliament building in 2019 – saying she had been ‘silenced’ by party officials
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under intense scrutiny after denying that he knew of Ms Higgins’ allegations at the time – despite several senior advisers being aware – and for the way he has addressed her accusations since.
In response to increasing pressure, on Monday the Prime Minister revealed his new cabinet after being forced to make changes with two ministers on medical leave and the government engulfed in scandals stemming from the treatment of women.
Attorney-General Christian Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds have both been stripped of their current portfolios and demoted – but will remain in cabinet.
Facing backlash: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under intense scrutiny after denying that he knew of Ms Higgins’ allegations at the time – despite several senior advisers being aware – and for the way he has addressed her accusations since